MICA: Stomasense: A New Route to the Proactive Detection and Management of Leaks within Ostomy Pouches

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The creation of a stoma is an invasive surgical procedure that requires significant physical and psychological adaptation particularly as bowel/bladder content is collected in a disposable pouch that adheres to the abdomen. Leakage, especially in public, is a constant worry resulting in decreased social interactions, increased anxiety and depression and can have a tremendous impact on family and work life. The extent of the problem was confirmed by the Ostomy Life Study (2015) which surveyed some 4000 ostomates from 11 different countries and found the majority (91%) of participants reported that leakage of the pouch was a concern with 69% confirming that it was their prime worry and greatly impacted on their quality of life. The project seeks to develop and refine a smart device which can work alongside existing stoma pouch systems, providing an early warning alert to impending leaks that could enable the replacement of the appliance before failure of the adhesive flange. This could significantly improve ostomy management, improve patient confidence and minimise the distress that can accompany leak events. The research team have developed a prototype sensor which can be used with any pouch system and which will provide a discrete alert vibration the patient. The team aim to expand the capabilities of the device to incorporate wireless communications such that an alert can be sent directly to a carer or a nursing station. The team have demonstrated proof of principle for the basic operation of the system in a pilot study and seek to optimise it for everyday use by ostomates.